Anycubic Photon M3 and Photon Mono 4K are both great performers in entry-level 3D printers, offering excellent value for money. In this article, we will compare their build volume, LCD screen, buildplate and price to help you choose the right one. This article is a buying guide to learn the differences between Anycubic Photon M3 and Photon Mono 4K.
Overall Comparisons
| Specifications |
 Anycubic Photon Mono 4K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| LCD screen | 6.23-inch monochrome | 7.6-inch monochrome |
| LCD Resolution | 3840 x 2400px (4K) | 4098 x 2560px (4K+) |
| Build volume | 165 x 132 x 80 mm (1.7L) | 180 x 163 x 102 mm (2.99L) |
| Print speed | ≤ 50 mm/hr. | ≤ 50 mm/hr. |
| Printing platform | Brushed metal | Laser-engraved buildplate |
| Screen protector | √ | √ |
| Machine size | 383 x 227 x 222 mm | 425 x 269 x 256 mm |
| Machine weight | 4.3kg | 7 kg |
Build Volume
Anycubic Photon M3 and Photon Mono 4K are both small format resin printers in Anycubic. However, the Photon M3 has a significantly larger build volume, up to 180 x 163 x 102 mm (2.99L), and it is a 76% increase compared to the Mono 4K (1.7L). This is a big difference. The build volume of a 3D printer is very important, as it provides so many possibilities. Therefore, the M3 offers a larger print area, allowing you to print objects of various sizes.
LCD Screen
Due to the increase in build volume, the size of the LCD screen also tends to increase. As a result, Anycubic Photon M3 features a larger 7.6-inch screen with a higher resolution of 4K+, while Photon Mono 4K has a 6.23-inch 4K screen.
Anycubic Photon M3 has a higher resolution which results in smaller pixels, enabling a more delicate and smooth surface finish in the prints. Both printers have a contrast ratio of 400:1, which helps in producing fine details when printing objects with intricate textures or complex geometries.
Additionally, they are equipped with a screen protector to extend the lifespan of the screens. The screen protector can prevent scratches on the surface of the LCD screen and also protects the fragile screen when the resin is leaking caused by a cracked FEP film.
Buildplate
The buildplate is an important component of a 3D printer and plays a crucial role in the first layer of the printed object. Anycubic Photon M3 uses a build plate with a laser-engraved checkerboard pattern, while Photon Mono 4K has a traditional brushed metal plate. This checkerboard textured plate can firmly stick to the prints like glue, and fix poor bed adhesion issues, such as prints not sticking to the build plate.
Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to price and availability, both Anycubic Photon M3 and Photon Mono 4K are affordable resin 3D printers for beginners, available in the United States for under $300. However, you may be able to get each of them for around $250, when the Anycubic official website is running sales promotions.
If you are new to MSLA printing or mainly print small-sized objects, the two printers are both easy to use and very budget-friendly options, but Photon M3 would be your top pick. Although Photon Mono 4K has a lower price, the price difference is only $10 compared to the Photon M3's original price. And the advantages of the M3 definitely are worth the little price difference, as it offers higher resolution, a larger build volume, and a better build plate.